With a 14-5 win over the Rockford Rampage on February 9, the Dallas Sidekicks have secured their spot as Central Division Champions and are headed to the 2012-2013 PASL playoffs.
Eight Sidekicks recorded goals in the home victory, three of the team’s goals scored just 51 seconds apart in the second quarter. Shaun David, Bruno Guarda, Jamie Lovegrove, Renato Pereira, Patrick Shamu and Marcos Rodriguez each scored two goals, while Mike Uremovich and Paulo da Silva netted one. The win was even sweeter for the Sidekicks because the night was dedicated to head coach and indoor soccer legend Tatu.
In front of 5,499 fans at the Allen Event Center, the Sidekicks celebrated indoor soccer’s all-time leading scorer and all-star forward Tatu by retiring his number nine jersey. Tatu lead the Sidekicks to four championships, and the organization honored their star with a tribute video that included former teammates and fellow Dallas sports greats Nolan Ryan, Roger Staubach, Mike Modano and Dirk Nowitzki. Tatu’s heartfelt speech gave thanks to his children, teammates and fans.
Before playoffs begin the Sidekicks will finish out their regular season at home, taking on the Texas Strikers on Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. It will be Fan Appreciation Night at the Allen Event Center and the Sidekicks will give away a soccer ball to the first 2,000 kids in attendance 16 and under.
Although the opponent has yet to be determined, the Sidekicks first-round home playoff match will take place Thursday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. The Sidekicks will take on the number two team in the Central Division in a “best of three” series with one game played at each team’s arena. If the two clubs split the games, a 15 minute “mini-game” will be played 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 2 to decide the series. The four surviving clubs will gather in San Diego to play for the PASL’s Ron Newman Cup on March 10 and 11.
The Sidekicks head into the end of their season led in points by Jamie Lovegrove, who has scored 22 goals so far this season. Not far behind is Franck Mbemba, who has scored a point (goal or assist) in all but two games he has played in. Ricardinho and Kiley Couch lead the team in assists, defenseman Couch currently third in the PASL in blocks with 20. Goaltender Sagu remains the best in the league with a goals against average of 3.56 and a save percentage of .792.
Individual and season tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.dallassidekicks.net or call 214-550-6130. Follow the team on Twitter @GoSidekicks or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoSidekicks.